10 Plants That Keep Bugs Away Naturally

If you want to enjoy a bug-free barbecue or keep pests away indoors without using chemicals, plants might be the answer. Here are many garden plant ideas, like basil, lavender, geraniums, and marigolds, that naturally keep bugs away. They don’t just look and smell nice; their natural oils help deter insects.

Using these plants can create a more eco-friendly environment and give you a peaceful, bug-free space. Check out our list to see how these plants can help protect your area while adding some fresh beauty to your garden.

Basil

Basil is not just for adding flavor to your meals; it’s also excellent for keeping mosquitoes and flies away. Its strong scent confuses pests, protecting both your garden and home. Consider planting basil in pots indoors or directly in your garden bed to ensure a bug-free environment.

Lavender

Lavender offers beauty and functionality by deterring moths, flies, and mosquitoes with its pleasant aroma. Not only does it enhance your outdoor space with its calming scent, but planting it near entryways will help keep bugs from entering your home or outdoor seating areas.

Rosemary

Rosemary’s strong scent makes it an effective natural repellent against mosquitoes and carrot flies. This fragrant herb is ideal for gardens and patios, as it adds a delightful aroma while keeping pests at bay. Its bug-repelling properties make it a valuable addition to both indoor and outdoor spaces.

Mint

Mint not only smells great but also acts as a natural pest repellent. It confuses pests like ants, spiders, and mosquitoes, causing them to lose their sense of direction. To keep bugs away, plant mint in your garden or place pots near entryways. It’s easy to grow and adds a fresh aroma to your space.

Geranium

Geraniums bring more than just vibrant colors to your garden; their sweet, citrusy fragrance also drives pests away. Position these plants around your patio or near entryways to deter mosquitoes and other bugs. Plus, their beautiful blooms make your outdoor space look stunning.

Catnip

Catnip isn’t just for cats! This herb contains nepetalactone, an oil that effectively repels mosquitoes and flies. Incorporate catnip into your garden to create an insect-free zone. This plant is an excellent choice for a pet-friendly pest control solution.

Citronella Grass

Citronella Grass, also known as Cymbopogon nardus, is popular for repelling mosquitoes and other insects. The plant contains oils like geraniol and citronellal, which pests dislike. You can grow it in your garden or place pots around outdoor areas to create a bug-free zone.

Lemon Balm

Need a fragrant way to fend off pests? Lemon Balm offers a sweet citrus aroma that mosquitoes can’t stand. Plant it in your garden or use pots to decorate your balcony. As an added bonus, you can use Lemon Balm in various dishes and even teas for a calming effect.

Thyme

Want a herb that does double duty? Thyme not only flavors your meals but also repels mosquitoes and whiteflies. This easy-to-grow plant releases oils that bugs dislike, making it perfect for garden beds or windowsills. Enjoy a pest-free environment while adding a delightful scent to your space.

Pennyroyal

Battling ants, fleas, or mosquitoes? Pennyroyal might be your solution. This peppermint-scented herb can be grown in gardens or pots and even used in its essential oil form. Create a natural bug spray by steeping dried leaves in water, and enjoy a pest-free home without harsh chemicals.